Overcast skies loomed over Grandpa's backyard last Saturday as Mammoth set up for a sound check. I was one of maybe 10 early people there for the release of Corporate Greed, Mammoth's inaugural EP.

Bassist Hayden Fields started the night with his small practice amp (which he's used before), but locals Odds Against graciously shared their gear and gave him an upgrade. Both the sound check set and the full set were fast and loud.

Matthew Clagg, current dean of ICT Fest, is trying something new for Wichita. Clagg wants to make a van available for rent to the music and arts community. What this means for the musical community here, Clagg confirms himself as an altruistic idealist, "ICT Fest got a van; that means you got a van. Need to go out on tour? Need to move gear across town? We want to rent you a van for as cheap as possible. Help us help ICT!"

There are three superb shows this week (that I know about — if you've got a heavy show and I missed it, let me know: charries@f5paper.com). Clear your schedule and buy some earplugs. Bring some to share.

On Thursday, May 14, the fun starts at Kirby's Beer Store, 3227 E. 17th. Bands will (hopefully) start at 9 p.m., so show up early and tip the bartender. Fairness, Darjeeling and Plaguebot are playing with Iceland's Börn, out on its first North American tour. This show is 21+. Sorry kids.

On a recent Saturday night, I took my 7-year-old daughter to the Donut Whole to see a band someone at her school mentioned. I don't know what I was expecting, because when I think "kid band," my brain defaults to Old Skull, the bratty skate-punk band I used to read about in Thrasher in 1986.

I've been to plenty of house shows. They're a cornerstone of the DIY community. Usually some dudes in a band move in together and start putting on shows or some kid convinces an adult that 60 teens plus bands in the basement den is a really good idea. Wichita has had its share of both good and bad house venues spread all over town with myriad backstories. This weekend sees another join the ranks: Grandpa's, at 2251 S. Lulu (No, it's not a re-branding of the Temple of Doom which is just down the street).

Formed by literally drawing names out of a hat, Virgin Mary Satellite has out lasted five of its members' previous bands, including Science Rocket, Black Gasoline (Helvis), Dead Silos, In the Wake and Elephant Gun. Brought together by a band swap that occurred in July 2006, VMS had five songs (two over the requirement) ready to go in under a month of rehearsal before the showcase.

Allow me to suggest an alternative Final Friday this month: KC's Too Bar and Grill for a fast-paced, aggressive night. On Friday, April 24, four amazing Kansas bands are going to show some touring dudes how to play music. For $12, you can't beat the quality of music you'll see with Shatter The Memories, The Grammaton Cleric, Forget About Tomorrow and Limits. A Skylit Drive plays too. Door are 6:30 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. If you've never been to KC's, it's at 7504 S. Broadway, Haysville.

Crown Uptown Theatre has changed its format a bit after having some success in live music entertainment. It has scaled back on music theater and set its sights on more event-specific hosting over long theater runs.

Charlie Parr is known the world around, but he is visiting the Shamrock Lounge on Thursday, April 16, to perform his renowned brand of folksy country-blues.

In the same vein as Blind Willie Johnson, Woody Guthrie and Dock Boggs, Parr continues the tradition by adding his own ingredients and brewing a mix of eclecticism that should delight a myriad of fans, old and new.

Major Games has provided us with the soundtrack to spring. Appropriately named, "Life" is the euphoric opening cut from the Lawrence trio's self-titled release.

Major Games champions guitar amalgamation and sonic innovation. The eight-song, self released, full-length album is due out on vinyl soon, but it is available for immediate download from the band's Bandcamp.com page, http://majorgames.bandcamp.com.

Let's face it: You have nothing to do on 4/20 because no one wants to celebrate Hitler's birthday and because you're clearly a law-abiding citizen. I have solution. Iron Born, Inrage, Mammoth and Filius Sol are playing a tidy little show at 8 p.m. in the South Lulu Temple of Doom, 2650 S. Lulu with a $5 suggested donation. It's a basement show, so bring earplugs, park politely because of neighbors and, above all, respect the house.

On Saturday, April 11, Lucky's Everyday is playing host to a what began as an acoustic freak folk solo project by Frances Quinlan and has since been rounded out with a full band that is touring in support of its second full length release. Welcome Philadelphia's Hop Along and its newest record, which will be released on Cinco de Mayo.

Garnering much critical acclaim since its debut full-length release, Get Disowned, Hop Along is fronted by talented songwriting experimentalist Frances Quinlan.

Kirby's Beer Store has been host to many things, but a band originally from Wichita and celebrating 10 years is a rarity. Japanese Game Show is about to be inducted to that very elite echelon this Friday, April 3. Then they're gonna call it quits.

That's right, this is their farewell show.

And, in support, Jeremiah Foundation will open. Also, all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska, Stonebelly will get the stage hot before JGS close out the night.

Country is not something oft covered in these papers. I do not write much about it because original country music in Wichita is likely being performed at the Intrust Bank Arena. Not many people need filling in on the scoop if the performer is playing a 15,000 seat venue.

When Marty Stuart was 12 years old, he talked his mother into buying him a sharp yellow shirt; he had a ticket to see Miss Connie Smith live and in person, and he wanted to make a good impression. After the show, he vowed that he would one day marry Smith — 17 years his senior — and some 37 years later, he did. What better way to cement an enduring reputation as the foremost curator of the legacy of traditional country music than to become family with one of its living legends?

Two nights. Two killer shows. This is more than two sweaty dudes screaming in your face with some breakdowns and dance parts for good measure. Get stoked.

The first night is Barrier, Villains, 2x4, Left Behind and locals Shatter the Memories on Tuesday, March 31, at KC's Too, 7504 S. Broadway, in Haysville. It is $12, doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30. This show is all about the breakdown.

It's been almost two years since Harm's Way released the short, five track Blinded. Two long years with 20 minutes on repeat. Two years of '50s dad haircuts from "Mind Control." Two excruciatingly empty years with a few new YouTube hits here and there with washed out audio and beefy, angry hardcore dudes.

Though it has been a few years since Mac Lethal performed Wichita, there is no love lost for this performer known for his pancake flipping skills as much as his rhyme flipping skills. (In 2011, he released a video on YouTube of himself rapping over the beat of Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now" while he prepares pancakes in his kitchen. This went viral and garnered him interviews on CNN and in The Washington Post.)